Rights defenders assess chances of justice for young woman assassinated in Chechnya

The practice of sending defendants and accused persons to the special military operation (SMO) zone in Ukraine creates a feeling of impunity and increases risks for the women who are subjected to domestic violence, human rights defenders are sure. In their opinion, the family of Kristina Kokova, who was killed in Chechnya, may face resistance if they demand someone’s punishment.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that Ruslan Umaev, a resident of Bachi-Yurt, accused of killing his daughter-in-law, Kristina Kokova, has left for the SMO zone. He confessed to the murder and said that he did it because of Kristina's immoral behaviour.

The understanding that one can kill and remain unpunished increases risks for the women living in the region, says Saida Sirazhudinova, President of the Centre for Studying Contemporary Global Issues and Regional Problems entitled "Caucasus. World. Development".

"Someone needs to be sent to fight. Criminals are a target group for recruitment," she has stated.

According to her version, women in Chechnya usually do not seek help because they "protect the family's reputation."

However, only public resonance can help Kristina's mother achieve justice. When local authorities ignore appeals of relatives of violence victims; and the country's institutions do nothing, it is difficult to achieve great results, Ms Sirazhudinova has added.

The practice of sending defendants to the SMO zone will lead to new cases of "honour killings," Aida Mirmaksumova, the head of the “Fathers and Daughters” Project, believes. She has added that mistrust is the most common reason that prevents women in Chechnya from seeking help.

In her opinion, in order for convicts to serve prison terms, the law that allows sending them to the SMO zone should be cancelled.

Ms Mirmaksumova has added that sometimes women have no choice but to leave the region or country to protect themselves.

Sending defendants to the SMO reduces prosecution chances for crimes against women in Chechnya, believes Amina Lorsanova, a lawyer at the “Vayfond” Association, believes. According to her story, if a woman or her family has no ties, it is almost impossible to achieve justice.

In Kristina's story, relatives will not be able to achieve justice because authorities have already intervened in this process, Ms Lorsanova has concluded.